Some botanists unite this species with Physalis philadelphica[], saying that it arose from Physalis philadelphica through cultivation.

Common Name: Tomatillo

General Information

Physalis ixocarpa is an annual plant, growing about 80 - 110cm tall and 90 - 120cm wide[].
The fruit is a popular food in Mexico, where it is used in similar ways to tomatoes The plant is sometimes cultivated for its edible fruit - there are some named varieties[].

Known Hazards

The unripe fruits and foliage of Physalis species contain solanine and other solanidine alkaloids and are toxic if ingested in large quantities. The ripe fruiys are usually edible, and several species are cultivated for these fruits[].
All parts of the plant, except the fruit, are poisonous[, ].

Botanical References

, ,

Range

N. America - central and western Mexico

Habitat

Waste places[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Annual
Height	1.00 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

Cultivation Details

Physalis ixocarpa is a plant of the seasonally dry tropics in Mexico. It is cultivated for its fruit in both temperate and tropical regions of the world and has become naturalized in many areas. Although the plant is frost-tender, it can be grown in temperate regions as a spring-sown annual.
Succeeds in any well-drained soil in full sun or light shade[]. Prefers a rich light soil[, ]. Tolerates hot dry weather[].
A slow growing plant[]. Insect resistant[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or cooked[, , ]. The fruit is a berry that is 2.5cm or more in diameter[]. When not fully ripe, the fruit can be cooked and used in curries, sauces, soups, stews etc[]. A delicious flavouring when used like a tomato and added to soups, stews etc[]. The fully ripe fruit is sweeter and can be eaten out of hand, added to salads or used in pies, preserves etc[]. The plant conveniently wraps up each fruit in its own 'paper bag' (botanically, the calyx) to protect it from pests and the elements. This calyx is toxic and should not be eaten. The fruit can be stored for up to a year if picked before they are fully ripe and left inside their calyx.

Medicinal

None known

Other Uses

None known

Propagation

Seed - sow early to mid spring in a greenhouse only just covering the seed. Germination usually takes place quickly and freely. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of fairly rich soil when they are large enough to handle and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Consider giving them some protection such as a cloche until they are growing away well. Diurnal temperature fluctuations assist germination[].